Description: The Russian Air Force Frigate is a revolutionary tilt-rotor, multi-purpose, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) developed by Kronshtadt for operations in the Arctic region. The new UAS will serve as surveillance, search and rescue (SAR) and cargo transport aircraft. The drone is powered by two tilt-rotors on its folding wings as well as a stationary rotor at the back. The unique design of the Frigate does not require an airfield to make the drone operational as the UAS combines both horizontal and vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, allowing it to carry out work in hard-to-reach regions. A scaled-down version of the Frigate conducted its maiden flight on May 13, 2016.

The full-scale Frigate will carry a payload of 1,700 kg taking off as an airplane or 1,000 kg when taking off as a helicopter. The Frigate will reach altitudes of 8,000 meters and stay airborne for over 10 hours with a maximum range of 5,000 kilometers. The top speed of the new aircraft is expected to reach 700 kilometers per hour. The folding wings will span to 19 meters or 10 meters when folded.